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The Anthracite Strike 
of 1922 



A Chronological Statement of the Com- 
munications and Negotiations between 
the Hard Coal Operators and the United 
Mine Workers of America 



THE ANTHRACITE BUREAU OF INFORMATION 

PHILADELPHIA, PA. 



ubHeiio; 

jun ns/i 



The Anthracite Strike 



X /!»,> 



of 1922 

A Chronological Statement of the Communications and Negotiations between 
the Hard Coal Operators and the United Mine Workers of America 

For about twenty years wage agreements between the anthracite 
operators and their employees have in every case been written so 
as to terminate on March 31. For the same period it has been 
customary for both sides to meet in advance of the expiration of the 
agreement, usually some time early in March, to negotiate a new 
understanding. Of late years — notably in 1916 and 1920 — there has been 
an agreement between the parties to the negotiations that if a new 
contract could not be completed by the time the old one expired the 
mines should remain at work, with the understanding that when the new 
agreement was reached it should be retroactive to April 1. 

The wage contract of 1920, entered into following hearings and an 
award by the United States Anthracite Coal Commission appointed 
by President Wilson, was limited by its terms to the period ending March 
31, 1922. Bearing upon the negotiation of a new contract, the following 
correspondence occurred : 

UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA 

John L. Lewis, President Affiliated with A. F. of L. 

Office of the President 
Indianapolis, Indiana 

1114 Merchants Bank Bldg. 
Mr. S. D. Warriner February 20, 1922 

Chairman, General Policies Committee 
Anthracite Coal Operators 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
My dear Sir: 

The wage agreement in the anthracite coal fields between the anthracite coal oper- 
ators and the United Mine Workers of America, Districts 1, 7, and 9, terminates on 
March 31, 1922. In recognition of this fact, the International Convention of the United 
Mine Workers of America has authorized me to address yourself and associate anthra- 
cite operators upon the question of the holding of a joint conference for the purpose of 
negotiating a new wage agreement to be effective from April 1. 

As a tentative proposition, subject to change through necessity of mutual conveni- 
ence, I suggest that such a joint meeting convene in New York City on Wednesday, 
March 15, 1922, at 10 a. m. If this suggestion should meet with the approval of 
the anthracite operators, I shall be glad to arrange for adequate representation from 
the Tri-District Scale Committee and representatives of the International union. 

The place of meeting in New York upon the suggested date could be determined 
later in the usual way. 

Trusting to hear from you at your convenience, I am 

Yours truly 
(Signed) John L. Lewis, President 



General Policies Committee of 
Anthracite Operators 



Philadelphia, Pa., February 25, 1922 
Mr. John L. Lewis, President 
United Mine Workers of America 
1114 Merchants Bank Building 
Indianapolis, Indiana 

My dear Sir: 

I have your letter of February 20th, suggesting that a joint conference be held in 
New York on Wednesday, March 15th, for the purpose of negotiating a new agreement 
to be effective from April 1, 1922. 

I regret that so little time is available before the termination of our present agree- 
ment as to render our negotiations hurried, but under the circumstances your suggestion 
of the time and place is agreeable to us. W 7 e will therefore be very glad to meet you in 
New York City on Wednesday, March 15th. 

It would be more convenient for us to have the meeting convene at 2 p. m. instead 
of 10 a. m. and I trust this will be agreeable to you. 

Yours very truly 
(Signed) S. D. Warriner, Chairman 

General Policies Committee 

In accordance with the above letters, the anthracite operators and 
representatives of the United Mine Workers of America in the anthracite 
region met in joint session in the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City, 
March 15, 1922. At that time the representatives of the union formally 
presented the following schedule of demands, which had been formulated 
by a tri-district convention of the union in the anthracite region, held in 
Shamokin January 20, 1922: 



The Miners' Demands 

1. We Demand that the next contract be for a period not exceeding two years and 
that the making of individual agreements and contracts in the mining of coal shall 
be prohibited and where mechanical loading is done the committee and company 
officials shall have authority to establish proper rates. 

2. We Demand that the contract wage scale shall be increased twenty (20) per cent 
and that all day men be granted an increase of $1.00 per day, and further that the 
differential in cents per day existing between classifications of labor previous to 
the award of the United States Anthracite Coal Commission shall be restored and 
that the rates applied in solid mining shall be the minimum rate on pillar work or 
second mining. 

3. In conformity with the thought expressed in the award of the United States Anthra- 
cite Coal Commission we demand that a uniform wage scale be established so that 
the various occupations of like character at the several collieries shall command 
the same wage. 



4. We Demand that the provisions of the eight hour day clause in the present agree- 
ment shall be applied to all persons working in or around the anthracite collieries 
coming under the jurisdiction of the U. M. W. of A. regardless of the occupations, 
and that in the bringing of these employes under the eight hour day their basis 
shall be arrived at in the same manner as the basis was arrived at in the case of 
pumpmen and engineers, plus the inciease demanded in Section 2 of this document. 
And further, that inside day laborers shall work on the basis of eight hours under- 
ground. 

5. We Demand time and half time for all overtime and double time for Sunday and 
holiday work. 

6. We Demand that the next contract made between representatives of the Anthracite 
operators and the United Mine Workers of America shall contain a standard check- 
off provision. 

7. We Demand that all dead work shall be paid for on a uniform consideration basis 
and that where more than one miner is employed they shall all receive the same rate. 

8. We Demand payment for all sheet iron, props, timber, forepoling, extra and ab- 
normal shovelling and cribbing and where miners are prevented from working on 
account of lack of supplies that they be accorded the opportunity of making a shift 
at some other work at the consideration rate. 

9. We Demand in the settlement of grievances that the aggrieved parties shall have 
the right to demand settlement upon a basis of equity, and if such equity settle- 
ment is requested, the conditions of 1902 shall not enter into or prejudice the case. 

10. We Demand that a uniform rate of seventeen (17) cents per inch be paid for all 
refuse in all kinds of mining up to ten (10) feet wide and a proportional rate be 
applied for over ten (10) feet, with the understanding that this is to be a minimum 
rate not affecting higher rates than exist. 

11. We Demand that where coal is paid for by the car it shall be changed and payment 
shall be made on the legal ton basis of 2240 pounds and that dockage shall be 
eliminated. 

12. We Demand that where jack hammers are necessary and of advantage in the work 
that they be furnished free of charge to miner or miners including the power neces- 
sary to operate the machine. 

13. We Demand a more liberal and satisfactory clause in the agreement covering the 
question of miners who encounter abnormal conditions in their working places 
and that to correct this situation the following quotation, "Unless otherwise 
directed by the foreman," shall be stricken from the agreement covering this 
particular subject, and that the consideration rate at each colliery should be equiv- 
alent to the average daily earnings of contract miners under normal conditions. 

14. We Demand that the wage schedules be brought up to date containing all new rates 
and occupations, and that copies be supplied the committees and filed with the 
Board of Conciliation. 

15. We Demand that carpenters and other tradesmen be paid the recognized standard 
rates existing in the region, which rate should not be less than ninety (90) cents per 
hour and which trade rate should be paid to all those who have served four years at 
their particular trade. 



16. We Demand that in retrenchment, the laying off of men and in the rehiring that 
seniority shall apply. 

17. We Demand that employes of stripping contractors be brought under the general 
agreement on their present basis of wages and conditions plus the increase demanded 
in Section 2 hereof. 

18. We Demand that powder be delivered to the miners at their working places, or as 
convenient as possible to the working place, in a safe and careful manner by the 
company. 

19. We Demand that full eight hour opportunity be given to employes at collieries 
which have been working as a general schedule on a six and seven hour day, and 
that where eight hour opportunity is denied to those employes their wages shall 
be readjusted — this demand is based upon normal working conditions and does 
not contemplate the inclusion of accidents. 

We recommend that our Scale Committee use every effort to have the operators 
agree to some provision in the agreement regarding the price of coal and rent to 
be charged the employes. 

The Committee recommends that the Scale Committee to negotiate the contract 
shall be composed of the officers, the Executive Board Members of the three districts, 
together with the resident International officers and three mine workers from each 
district affected, the District President to select the three mine workers in each district, 
subject to the approval of the Executive Board. 

We further recommend that the Scale Committee be instructed to perfect arrange- 
ments providing for a suspension of mining on April 1, 1922, in the event that no satis- 
factory agreement has been arrived at as of that date. 

As the meeting was held March 15, and the wage contract was due 
to expire March 31, but two weeks were available for the formulation of 
a new contract before the expiration of the old. In previous years, as 
mentioned above, this difficulty was met by an understanding to keep 
the mines at work and to make any new arrangement retroactive, but in 
this case the demands themselves contained a provision for closing the 
mines unless a scale were worked out and agreed to by March 31. 

After two days' deliberation, the anthracite operators on March 17 
made the following reply to the demands in joint conference: 

* This ultimatum — that an agreement must be made within a half month or the mines would shut 
down — allowed a period much shorter than has ever been found sufficient for the negotiation of a wage con- 
tract in the anthracite region during the present century. The periods required for the execution of new con- 
tracts will be found below, the old contract having expired March 31 in each case: 

Year Date of Contract 

1906 May 7 

1909 April 29 

1912 May 20 

1916 May 5 

1920 Sept. 2 

The contract of 1920 was entered into as a result of the award of the U. S. Anthracite Coal Commission. 
Before the appointment of that Commission, on June 3, 1920, the operators and mine workers had been in 
conference from March 9 to April 29 without agreeing. Secretary of Labor Wilson intervened as a friendly 
mediator and conducted negotiations fruitlessly from May 1 to May 21. The Commission began hearings 
June 24 and its report to the President was issued under date of August 30. The agreement was^made 
retroactive to April 1, the mine workers receiving practically an extra month's pay. 

6 



Operators' Reply to the Miners' Demands 

Mr. John L. Lewis, President, and Members of the Scale Committee representing 
Districts 1, 7 and 9 of the United Mine Workers of America. 

Gentlemen: 

The object of this conference should be to construct a working agreement which 
will, in contrast with conditions in other coal fields, continue to afford a basis whereby 
the anthracite industry will provide fair wages, full time employment to its workers, and 
a maximum production of coal at a cost which will enable it to be sold to its customers 
at a price they are able to pay. 

The consuming public is largely composed of wage earners in other industries, 
who have already accepted substantial decreases in their earnings, and who cannot 
continue to pay present prices in order that the workmen in the anthracite field may 
hold their present scale of wages. 

With these facts in mind the General Policies Committee is authorized to say in 
reply to your communication to the Joint Conference of Anthracite Operators and 
Miners, embodying 19 demands to be used as the basis of an agreement to take the place 
of the one now in effect, which expires March 31st, next: 

Careful consideration has been given to the demands and to the explanatory re- 
marks made by the speakers at the Joint Conference. 

It should be stated in the first place that the Anthracite Operators are not un- 
willing to continue contractual relations with the United Mine Workers of America, 
but on the contrary, are willing to continue the practice of dealing with that organiza- 
tion as representing their employees, provided that the form of contract is in accord 
with the principles laid down by the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission appointed by 
President Roosevelt in 1902, and the Anthracite Coal Commission appointed by 
President Wilson in 1920; and, provided, further, that the jurisdiction of the Board of 
Conciliation, that has been a potent factor in the preservation of peace in the anthracite 
region, shall not be questioned or abridged. 

The operators are ready to consider and discuss any propositions relating to wages 
and working conditions submitted by either party. 

When it comes to matters affecting the cost of production, there is another party 
to be considered, viz: the buyer. Any adjustment which is not satisfactory to the 
buyer must inevitably fail; for in that event production cannot be distributed, and the 
miner will then lose his opportunity for employment. 

The interests of all parties will best be conserved by steady work for the miner, 
maximum production at the mines, and the widest possible market for the product. 
To secure this a reasonable cost of production is necessary. Anthracite is the only 
basic commodity which has not receded in cost of production since the war. In fact, 
costs of anthracite production today are far above the war-time peak. 

The deflated pocketbook of the buyer cannot continue to pay the present prices. 
Economy is being practiced by the consumer and various substitutes for anthracite 
are being used. But for the fear on the part of the public of a suspension April 1, the 
recent movement of anthracite would have been even less than it was, with the result 
of short time employment throughout the region. The economic situation today not 
only forbids any increase in costs and prices, but compels a reduction. 

Anthracite labor is the only group in this country which has not sustained a 
decrease in wages in line with the general readjustment in other industries, nor has 
it suffered a material decline in the opportunity for steady work. 

Deflation in the cost of production, 70 per cent of which is represented by mine labor, 
is imperative. The Anthracite Operators, after most careful thought, can see no alter- 



native. Readjustment of the wage rates is the first necessary step to reduce the cost 
of anthracite to the consumer, and to insure continued stability in the industry. 

It is obvious then that prosperity and steady work in the anthracite fields must 
cease unless the price of anthracite coal can be reduced to a figure which the consumer 
can pay. 

We are confident that if in our negotiations this absolutely controlling factor is 
kept constantly in mind, we shall be able to reach a conclusion which will promote 
the welfare of all concerned. And with this hope we are prepared to consider through 
the negotiating committee any matter pertaining to wages and working conditions 
presented by either party. 

Following the presentation of the operators' reply, a joint sub- 
committee was named to take up the consideration of a new scale, and 
this sub-committee is still sitting at this date (May 10, 1922). 

Meanwhile, the members of the United Mine Workers of America 
employed in the anthracite mines quit work March 31, although the 
employers had in the above reply indicated their willingness to enter into 
negotiations for a new wage agreement and were at the time in conference 
with union representatives on the sub-committee. The call for this 
walk-out was issued by the chief executive officers of the union three days 
after having received the official assurance that the anthracite operators 
were prepared to negotiate, the text of the call being given on the fol- 
lowing page. 



The Suspension Order 



To the Officers and Members of the Indianapolis, Ind., March 20, 1922 

United Mine Workers of America 

Brothers: 

The last International Convention of the United Mine Workers of America, held 
in the city of Indianapolis, during the week of February 14, 1922, adopted the following 
declaration as a part of the policy of the United Mine Workers of America: 

"The present contract between the coal operators and the United Mine Workers 
of America in both the anthracite and bituminous coal fields terminates on March 31, 
1922. In the event no agreement is reached by April 1, we declare in favor of a general 
suspension of mining operations, such action being subject to a referendum vote of the 
membership of the United Mine Workers of America, such referendum vote to be held 
prior to March 31." 

Since this action was taken the International Officers of the United Mine Workers 
of America have endeavored to meet the operators of the Central Competitive Field 
in Joint Conference for the purpose of negotiating a new wage agreement. Invitations 
to attend such a meeting were repeatedly extended by the officers of your organization. 
The operators of Western Pennsylvania and Southern Ohio positively refused to attend 
an Interstate meeting, while the operators of Eastern Ohio and Indiana agreed to do 
so only upon condition that all the operators representing Western Pennsylvania, 
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the States and Districts comprising the Central Competitive 
Field, were present. Because the operators refused to meet your representatives, 
we have failed to secure an Interstate meeting. We have been and now are willing and 
ready to participate in a Joint Conference of Miners and Operators of the Central 
Competitive Field for the purpose of negotiating a new wage agreement but are unable 
to do so because the coal operators will not meet us. The blame and responsibility 
for a suspension of mining operations on April 1st must rest fairly and squarely with 
the coal operators. 

A referendum vote of the Mine Workers of the bituminous coal fields was taken 
and the returns show that the membership has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a 
suspension of mining operations on March 31 in the event no agreement with the coal 
operators is reached by that time. 

Furthermore, the representatives of the anthracite mine workers in a Tri-District 
Convention held at Shamokin, Pennsylvania, from January 17th to 20th, 1922, adopted 
the following section as a part of their wage scale demands: 

"We further recommend that the Scale Committee be instructed to perfect 
arrangements providing for a suspension of mining on April 1, 1922, in the event that 
no satisfactory agreement has been arrived at as of that date." 

Pursuant to the action of the International Convention, the Tri-District Con- 
vention of the anthracite mine workers and the referendum vote, and in conformity 
with the authority conferred upon your International Officers by the International 
Convention, the undersigned Executive Officers of the United Mine Workers of America 
hereby direct all members of the organization employed in and around the anthracite 
and bituminous coal-producing districts to discontinue work and cease the production 
of coal at midnight on Friday, March 31, 1922. The suspension, ordered by action of 
the International Convention of the United Mine Workers of America and the member- 
ship by a referendum vote, will continue until terminated by action of the policy com- 
mittee of the United Mine Workers of America and until you are further officially 
advised. * * * * 

Fraternally yours 

John L. Lewis, President 

Philip Murray, Vice-President 
Wm. Green, Secretary-Treasurer 



Wages in the Anthracite Industry 

Survey by the National Industrial Conference Board 

The following is a summary of a report issued March 20th by the National Industrial 
Conference Board: 

"This investigation is the most comprehensive study ever made of conditions in 
the anthracite industry. It covers fifty-one companies, with 94,514 wage earners, 
operating 179 collieries, of which the total production in 1920 was 64,548,928 tons, or 
about 91 per cent of the entire production of the industry. 

"The period covered is from the last half of June, 1914, to the last half of October, 
1921, and the results show conditions as to earnings, hours of work and employment 
in a representative period under the agreement of 1912-1916, as compared with a 
representative period under that of 1920-1921, which expires March 31, and the renewal 
of which the operators and workers have just met to discuss. 

"The investigation covered the same companies during the entire period. All 
classes of wage earners in the industry are included except clerks and executives, con- 
tract miners' helpers and workers who missed more than two days of the full working 
time in any semi-monthly period. 

Average Wage 72.8 Cents an Hour — Increase 162 Per Cent 

"The investigation shows that the average hourly earnings of all wage earners 
were 27.8 cents in June, 1914, and rose to 72.8 cents in October, 1921, an increase of 
162 per cent. 

"Excluding contract miners, who are paid on a different basis from ordinary workers 
and whose earnings tend to swell the average, this increase is from 22.5 cents to 59.9 
cents, or 166 per cent. 

"The average actual earnings of all wage earners in the semi-monthly period in 
the last half of June, 1914, were $29.81, and rose to $75.18 in October, 1921, an increase 
of 152 per cent. On this basis the weekly earnings of all wage earners rose from $13.76 
in 1914 to $34.71 in October, 1921. 

Full Time Employment 

"During this period the average hours worked in a semi-monthly period for all 
wage earners declined from 107.4 to 103.3. Excluding contract miners, the decline was 
from 115.1 hours in 1914 to 111.9 hours in October, 1921. 

"The total numbers of workers employed showed practically no change during the 
entire period. The number of breaker starts per colliery, which serves directly to in- 
dicate the amount of mine activity and therefore the opportunity for employment, 
was 11.6 in June, 1914, rose to 12.5 in June, 1921, and declined to 11.8 in October, 
1921. In short, employment in the anthracite industry has been fairly regular through- 
out the entire period. 

Wages Above Cost of Living 

"Comparing changes in actual earnings with changes in cost of living during the 
period covered, the investigation shows that real hourly earnings of all wage earners 
in October, 1921, were 60 per cent above those in June. 1914. Excluding contract 
miners, the increase was 62 per cent during this period. Real weekly earnings in 
October, 1921, were 54 per cent higher than those in June, 1914. 

"A comparison of the average actual hourly earnings in the anthracite industry 
with those of wage earners in manufacturing and on railroads, as set forth in previous 
reports of the Conference Board shows that while actual hourly earnings of anthracite 
workers were lower than those of industrial and railroad workers in 1914 they were higher 
in 1921 than those of the other two groups. 

10 



"The percentage of increase in actual hourly earnings for industrial workers from 
July, 1914, to July, 1921, was 113 per cent; for railroad workers up to October 1, 
1921, 131 per cent, and for anthracite workers, 166 per cent. By July, 1921, the average 
weekly earnings of workers in manufacturing industries were only 83 per cent above 1914, 
those in railroad work in October, 1921, 102 per cent, while in anthracite mining the 
increase was 152 per cent. 

Work Fifty- one Hours a Week 

"The average actual hours worked per week by wage earners in manufacturing 
industries in 1914 were 51.3 as compared with 44 hours in July, 1921; those in the 
railroad industry were 59.7 in 1914 as compared with 52.2 in October, 1921; while the 
average hours per week for all workers excluding contract miners in the anthracite 
industry were 53.1 in 1914 and 51.7 hours in October, 1921. 

"A comparison between representative periods from July, 1914, to October, 1921, 
shows that while employment has increased 21 per cent on the railroads, and declined 
8 per cent in manufacturing industries, it has remained at practically the same level 
in anthracite coal mining. 

"Up to October, 1921, real hourly earnings in the anthracite industry have increased 
60 per cent as compared with an increase of 41 per cent for railroad workers and of 32 
per cent for industrial workers up to July, 1921. Real weekly earnings in the anthracite 
industry have increased 54 per cent as compared with 23 per cent for railroad workers 
and 13 per cent for workers in manufacturing industries generally. 

"In these comparisons the figures for workers in manufacturing industries go down 
only to July, 1921. Later data would make the contrast even more striking because 
of the continued decline in wages in manufacturing industries, while wages of anthracite 
workers fixed under the 1920-22 agreement have remained constant. 



" Disproportionate " Wage Increase in Anthracite Industry 

"The disproportionate increase in wages in the anthracite industry as compared 
with changes in manufacturing wages and railroad wages, is shown particularly when 
the changes in earnings of common outside labor in the anthracite industry are compared 
with those of common labor on Class I railroads and with those of common or unskilled 
labor in manufacturing industries. 

"The increase in hourly earning of common labor in manufacturing industries from 
July, 1914, to July, 1921, was 117 per cent; from June, 1914, through October, 1921, 
those of railroad workers rose to 138 per cent, and those of outside common labor in 
anthracite mining 189 per cent. 

"During these periods the increase in actual weekly earnings for common labor 
in manufacturing industries were 85 per cent, for common labor on railroads, 99 per 
cent, and for common outside labor in anthracite mining 189 per cent. 

How Common Labor Benefited 

"Comparing these changes with changes in the cost of living during these periods, 
the real hourly earnings of common labor in manufacturing increased 34 per cent; 
on railroads, 45 per cent; in anthracite mining, 77 per cent. Real weekly earnings of 
common industrial labor increased 14 per cent; common railroad labor, 22 per cent, 
and common outside mining labor, 77 per cent. 

"The average hours worked per week declined 8.0 hours for common industrial 
labor, 9.6 hours for common railroad labor, while those of common outside anthracite 
mining labor increased 0.2 hour." 

11 



Finally, the board's statement says, in considering adjustments in the anthracite 
mining industry, the following outstanding factors must be taken into account : 

"1. The wage increases since 1914 have been very extensive. 

"2. There has been no wage reduction in the depression period. 

"3. The increases for surface labor have been far above those for underground 
workers in more hazardous occupations. 

"4. The increases have been greater for the unskilled worker and the day worker 
than for the skilled laborer and the man who works on a contract or tonnage basis. 

"5. The constant demand for anthracite as domestic fuel has maintained employ- 
ment and hours of work at a practically uniform level." 



12 



What Miners' Demands Would Add 
to Cost of Coal 

On April 10 Samuel D. Warriner, spokesman for the anthracite 
operators, made the following statement: 

The anthracite miners having completed the submission of their case 
in the conferences with operators which have been held almost constantly 
since March 15, the representatives of the operators will begin on Tuesday 
to present counter arguments and facts with regard to the miners' nineteen 
demands. These demands would all result in less production and more 
compensation. 

Throughout these conferences the miners' representatives have 
insisted upon literal compliance with their demands, without abatement 
or modification. We are, nevertheless, hopeful that a settlement can be 
brought about in spite of the fact that all of our employees have been 
called out of the mines regardless of the pending negotiations with their 
representatives. 

An analysis shows that to grant the demands of the miners would add 
approximately $170,000,000 to the annual cost of producing anthracite. 
As this increase would necessarily be borne by the 53,000,000 tons of the 
domestic sizes, the increase in the mine cost would amount to more than 
$3 a ton. 

This added cost would be paid by the consumer who, so far from 
being willing to pay present or increased prices, is rightly demanding that 
the price of anthracite shall be reduced. 

The industry in 1921 paid about $260,000,000 for labor. To con- 
cede the miners' demands would make the payroll of the industry approxi- 
mately $430,000,000 a year. 

The relation of labor cost to production in recent years throws con- 
siderable light upon conditions. 

In 1917, on a production of 74,000,000 gross tons of commercial 
production, the wage bill was $145,000,000. 

In 1918, on 72,250,000 tons, the labor cost was $195,735,000. 

In 1919, the labor cost of 66,000,000 tons was $225,500,000. 

In 1920 this had risen to $252,175,000 on a commercial production of 
65,500,000 tons. 

This shows a steadily mounting wage bill for a steadily decreasing 
production. 

The increases totaling $170,000,000 now demanded would be super- 
imposed upon the several increases during the war, plus 17.4 per cent 
increase in 1920, all of which resulted in an advance of hourly earnings 
of anthracite miners between 1914 and 1921 of 162 per cent. 

Anthracite producers see no reason to change the opinion expressed 
at the opening of these conferences with the miners; namely, that con- 

13 



ditions demand a substantial reduction in the price of hard coal. We 
desire to pay good wages. But the rate of pay is not so important as 
regularity of employment. The problem to be solved is what scale of 
wages will permit the production of anthracite at a price the consumer 
is willing to pay. For, as shown, if the price is too high, consumption 
declines, and the result is irregular employment and dissatisfaction all 
round. 



14 



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